Speech by the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister Responsible For Francophone Affairs and Minister of Community and Social Services
Upon the Announcement of Funding for Le Centre des arts des patriotes
École secondaire Franco-Cité
Sturgeon Falls
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sir,
Madam,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am especially happy to be in Sturgeon Falls today because I have very good news to share with you...
...welcome news for Francophones in Nipissing that will breathe new life into the region!
Unfortunately, I do not have an opportunity to come here as often as I would like. However, I am well aware that everyone in Ontario benefits from your constantly evolving and dynamic community.
Like all Franco-Ontarians, your perseverance and determination to ensure a promising future for Ontario's Francophone community have been unwavering. We will never forget the fact that part of our future was secured here, thanks to the determination that you demonstrated when you defended the creation of École secondaire Franco-Cité over 30 years ago. And here we are at École secondaire Franco-Cité today!
We are forever in your debt. Clearly, your efforts have had a positive impact on Ontarians here and in every part of the province.
And so, before I talk about why we are gathered here today, I would like to congratulate Edgar Gagné and to thank him. Not only did he believe in this project; he worked tirelessly to make it a reality for all of us and for generations to come.
Mr. Gagné has always fought for the rights of Franco-Ontarians, from the time when he fought for the creation of a French-language high school in Sturgeon Falls until now, as head of the cultural and community centre that brings us together today.
Mr. Gagné, you have written an important chapter in Franco-Ontarian history. On behalf of my government, I would like to present you with this certificate, in recognition of your hard work and leadership over the years. You have earned our deepest respect.
[Presentation of certificate to Mr. Gagné]
And you are all the more deserving of our respect because the announcement that my colleague, Mr. David Ramsay, will be making in a few moments is thanks to you. I am thrilled about this announcement. It is another demonstration of your willingness to outdo yourself and to constantly aim higher. Most importantly, this announcement gives full meaning to our work as members of parliament and as politicians.
You know, when a community is this dynamic, we can't help but listen to it. Queen's Park may be hundreds of kilometres away, but we can hear you loud and clear.
Like you, our government is very aware of the importance of focusing on the future and giving our youth the means to help shape the future of their community.
This is why I asked the Office of Francophone Affairs to develop a Youth Strategy to mobilize Franco-Ontarian youth and prepare them to continue building a prosperous Franco-Ontarian community.
This initiative is one of the many accomplishments of my government on behalf of Franco-Ontarians.
A television network that is 100% Franco-Ontarian, run by and for Franco-Ontarians, is in the process of being finalized. The legislation making TFO a fully-independent organization has been enacted.
You are no doubt aware that the French Language Services Commissioner, who was appointed in August 2007, has just tabled his first annual report. Through his constructive recommendations, the Commissioner is helping to improve access to, and the quality of, French-language services in Ontario, and I thank him for this.
The creation of the French Language Health Services Advisory Council is also playing a key role in the improvement of French-language services, notably with respect to Francophone representation in the field of health.
Last month, I had the great pleasure of announcing that the Government of Ontario would now be offering French-language licence plates. You can now display the slogan Tant à découvrir on your car, so that, wherever you go, people will know that you are a member of Ontario's Francophone community. The possibility of identifying oneself to the world as a Franco-Ontarian is a very powerful symbol. I hope that many of you will purchase French-language plates.
The designation of Collège Boréal as an agency offering public services under the French Language Services Act is another important symbol. Collège Boréal is the first educational institution to be designated in this way.
Given the fundamental role that French-language education plays in the development of Francophone communities, this is very good news.
The designation of organizations and regions under the French Language Services Act has always been a source of great joy for me, because designation enables more Francophones to access services in French in their region.
The designation of the City of Kingston, scheduled to go into effect on May 1st, is proceeding according to plan.
Look how far we have come since your ground-breaking battle for French-language education over thirty years ago!
The mother tongue of the majority of people in West Nipissing is French. This community of 10,000 people is a model of tenacity, solidarity, and courage.
Your community is extremely united, tightly-knit, and determined to fight for its economic development and for a vibrant cultural and social life for the Francophone community of West Nipissing.
It warms my heart to be in a position to bring you the support of the Government of Ontario so that you can make your dreams come true.
With today's announcement, it will be possible to support and promote your region's rich artistic and cultural traditions.
As we know, there is a clear connection between cultural development and quality of life.
And let's not forget, either, that a region with a vibrant culture attracts tourism and investment, and this in turn has economic spin-offs.
You see, developing French-language art and culture is, first and foremost, a matter of promoting the French language and culture.
This is essential for the future of a community, in particular for its young people, who will be proud to play a role in the development of their region in French.
I know that you are all eager to hear the news. And so, without further ado, I give the floor to my friend, MPP David Ramsay, who has worked very hard with you on this extremely promising project.
Thank you.
END
